Hello, dear readers! I don’t know what it’s like where you are but it’s mostly been in the 90’s here in Northern California. It doesn’t exactly beg for any heavy eating. No. It asks politely for a light meal and here’s where I turn at least once during each warm season to an old favorite recipe for cold beet soup! Add to this that it is super easy to make and you have even more reason to get some beets. From the lowly root vegetables above we are going to make a masterpiece meal. Really.
Wash your beets (organic, please) and place in a big pot of water. So.
I never cut up my beets before cooking hoping to ensure that the vitals stay where I want them–inside! So I boil until I can stick a fork in them. Note they might not all arrive at that point due to size variance, so I remove them as they are done. And while that is going on, I am preparing cucumbers and green onions.
Peel and chop the cucumber. And throw the onions in a Cuisinart, for who wants to bite down on a chunk of onion? And then you will have this. Fresh. Summer yummy.
Now my favorite part. Cutting the beets, which I love to do because they are so utterly beautiful.
The above were cut to this size so they would cool more quickly. Then I peel off the outer skin and place in a big bowl with my cucumbers and onions, preparing for the magic.
Ready? To this mixture you are simply going to add one quart of lowfat buttermilk and a 1 lb. container of sour cream. Season with a bit of salt to taste and a pinch or two of dill. And here’s the heavenly result:
Place in frig to chill. When they emerge you will have to stir once again and the color will deepen to an even more beautiful hue. Enjoy!!
Love and summer kitchen blessings,
Kathryn xoxo
Posted on August 8th, 2010 by Kathryn
Filed under: People at Life
Yum! You inspire me. Could you use plain yogurt instead of sour cream? I am the only one who eats beets here & am trying to change that because they are so good for you. Hugs, Julie
Hi, Julie! Good morning! You know, as I was making it I found myself thinking precisely that, that there would be folks out there who would be drawn to using yogurt rather than sour cream, and I was thinking that creamy Russian yogurt would be a good option. Let me know! Aren’t beets wonderful?? 🙂 Kathryn xoxo
You made my night, this brings back great memories of borscht, heavy with dill, that I used to eat when I summered in Russia as a college student. And really, is there a better root vegetable than beets anyway?
Hi, Lisa! I would love to know the difference between classic borscht and this recipe. I know they are very similar. I think next year I will grow my own dill. I bet it’s even better with fresh dill! Summer days in Russia as a college student does sound like a treasured memory and soup recipes are one of the ways we recall beloved places, for sure. 🙂 Kathryn xoxo
Hi Kathryn, if I remember correctly, the biggest difference was the use of potatoes and oh yeah definitely fresh dill. I’ve used dried for years (there’s something about it) but this was the first year I grew it fresh. I found it very easy to start, and the taste was amazing.
Good morning, Lisa! Potatoes! Who knew? I would never have suspected. I need to research borscht! And I will make a point of planting dill. Thank you! Kathryn xoxo
Perfect food fare for a hot day, dear Kathryn. I love beets and have a similar recipe! Once the weather cools (hot here too), I love roasting them to either eat plain or in a salad. I received my/your book today (beautiful cover) and can’t wait to read it! Thank you, fun friend.
Hi, Joey, Beets are a fav here, too. 🙂 Glad the book arrived straightaway and will love hearing your feedback! Enjoy! Hugs! Kathryn xoox
Hi mom,
I grew up with your making this.. how Awesome that you’re sharing it!
Great pics! Easier than one would think, perfect for summer.. Beautiful!
Love you,
Antonia
xoxo
Hi, Antonia! You did, indeed! 🙂 Glad you like the beet vignette! 🙂 Love, Mom xoxo
Kathryn, that sounds some kind of good. 104F here today. Ugh, but supposedly last day of over 100 temps. I hope so. Keep cool California way.~~Dee
Hi, Dee! Oh, 104 would be a lot to take, for sure, esp. w/ the humidity in OK!
Hope to hear everything is settling down. So hard on the plants. Try the cold soup! Hugs! Kathryn xoxo
Beautiful website. The design caught my eye, and the clear pictures of the process are very helpful. I will place this in my favorites!
I am preparing Cold Beet Soup for my husband and his sister…both Lithuanians. Brings back childhood memories and stories that provide a glimpse into their past. Thanks for the help.
Janet
Hi, Janet H., and welcome! Glad the recipe appeals, and your comment is reminding me this IS a good summer soup! I’m honored to have this recipe enjoyed by Lithuanians. It was passed on to me by a very old friend long ago who is Polish. 🙂 Enjoy. Kathryn xoxo